Quote:
Originally Posted by sid
Both the Florida Solar Energy Center and the federal government have done tests and released the results on the net that show that white roofs save considerable energy in areas with high air conditioning requirements over any other color. These same studies show that white asphalt shingles, while performing better than other color shingles, still perform much worse than white metal or tile roofs.
Also, tests by the Florida Solar Energy Center show that properly installed radiant barriers on the underside of the roof do considerably reduce attic temperatures. But they still recommend at least R-19 insulation installed above the ceilings.
The Florida Solar Energy Center is funded by the state of Florida and may be a direct government organization.
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This is right-on advice. Metallic (shiny) surfaces have been shown to be less effective than a highly reflective white. Also the purpose of an attic space is to separate the hot roof surface from the ceiling of the house. Insulation is used to further distance the heat source. One thing people overlook is just how hot your attic is getting. Way too little ventilation allows for a staggering amount of heat buildup that tends to creep into your home. Sometimes large slow moving fans are required to flush it out. Solar gain through walls and windows is another issue. One thing for sure, stapling aluminum foil to your roof will get you noticed, but perhaps not in the way you were thinking.
